Magic Jack is a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service that allows you to make free local and long distance phone calls using a computer and a high speed internet connection. By visiting their web site you can order the USB device and start calling just minutes after receiving it in the mail. Very easy to set up and install, the device plugs into any USB port on your computer, automatically downloads the software and walks you through the registration process. The installation and setup shouldnt take longer than five minutes.

This service does have some great features for the money. For only 40 bucks for the first year (which includes the USB device) and 20 bucks for each year after that, you cant beat the price. Youll save that much on your long distance phone calls in a very short time. The service includes a free phone number,voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling, 411 and 911. You may also call internationally for free if the other person has a Magic Jack device. If traveling, take it with you and call free from anywhere you can get a high speed internet connection. Magic Jack does not work with dial-up or satellite internet.

Being a new company, Magic Jack does have its growing pains. Frequent upgrades to the service seem to create outages for its users. Sometimes changing your phone number will solve the problem as they are always upgrading their area code list. If your service doesnt stay connected, buying an A/C powered USB port may solve that problem. From my research in forums where people are talking about Magic Jack, the biggest complaint is their customer service.

Do I recommend that you purchase a Magic Jack? Yes, if you are a patient person and can deal with the fact that it is not going to work perfectly all of the time. Do not buy it if you want to use it to replace your existing phone service. Use it to save on your long distance calls and your cell phone minutes while you are at home. In the future, I believe that Magic Jack will be a good option to use for an extra telephone line or even a business line for your online web sites. Time will tell if this company survives its explosive growth and the reports of their poor customer service.